Gardiner Main Street is partnering with community members to host Growing Gardiner, planned for Saturday, June 18, as a fun-filled day for neighbors and new residents, and for visitors wanting to explore the historic city on the Kennebec River.

The event begins downtown at 8:30 a.m. and concludes with a community picnic at 5 p.m at the Gardiner Common, according to a news release from Gardiner Main Street.

Downtown activities include plant sale, kids’ activities, expert talks on nature and history, a puppet show and crafts, antique cars, live music, drumming, dance, plein air artists, gallery shows, and a scavenger hunt.

Gardiner Main Street will give away $500 in local shopping certificates; people can show them their receipt for $50 or more from a single merchant to enter.

A community picnic is planned at the Gardiner Common, bring your own picnic items or purchase burgers and hotdogs from the Gardiner Rotary. Desserts and an ice cream sundae bar (by donation) will be provided by the local churches.

The Hallowell Community Band will provide music, and family games and a story walk will be set up around the common.

For more information, visit gardinermainstreet.org.

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